An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
If nominated by either party, I should peremptorily decline, and even if unanimously elected, I should decline to serve.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a refusal to accept a position of power regardless of circumstances.
William Tecumseh Sherman emphasizes the importance of personal choice and integrity in the face of political pressure. By stating he would decline any nomination or election, he highlights a strong stance on not accepting a role that he does not genuinely want, reflecting the values of conviction and moral fortitude in leadership.
Themes
LeadershipIntegrityRefusalPowerPersonal Choice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of ethical leadership, one could quote Sherman to emphasize the need for integrity in accepting power.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes βEvery attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
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